Sauna gets too hot to handle

A fire that broke out in the sauna of the Radisson Golden Sands Hotel in Għajn Tuffieħa spiced up a relaxing weekend break for the guests.

They were all evacuated from their rooms when the fire alarm went off at about 1.30 on Saturday morning and only allowed to return about two hours later. Those on the upper floors had to wait even longer for the smoke to clear.

The sauna was only installed last week, on the ground floor of the hotel’s central tower

The blaze was quickly contained by Civil Protection Department fire fighters and in the meantime staff distributed complimentary drinks, blankets, towels and sandals to the barefoot guests.

The sauna was only installed last week, on the ground floor of the hotel’s central tower.

Fire drills are held regularly at the hotel, with the last one simulated on Thursday.

In fact, a few of the guests mistook the evacuation for another drill.

Owner Winston Zahra was on site to coordinate the operation with manager Ernest Barry.

Guests commended the way the hotel staff handled the situation.

“The atmosphere was more of a pyjama party with drinks and coffee served complimentary by the hotel, rather than a dangerous situation,” one said in a comment posted on timesofmalta.com.

Another said that yesterday morning patrons found a letter outside the door, from Mr Barry, who explained what had ­happened. Guests were given a check-out extension until 6 p.m.